Life and career
Holchak was born in Los Angeles, California, the son of Victor Holchak Sr. and Norma Jean Philen. He attended Manual Arts High School, graduating in 1958. After graduating, he attended Los Angeles City College. He also attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, studying acting and theatre. He originally worked as a journalist for the Summer Olympic Games, and he began his screen career in 1965, appearing in the television film Romeo and Juliet. In 1970, he appeared in the CBS western television series Gunsmoke.
Later in his career, from 1971 to 1976, Holchak played attorney Jim Phillips in the NBC soap opera television series Days of Our Lives. He guest-starred in television programs including Barnaby Jones, Laverne & Shirley, Cannon, The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, Police Woman and CHiPs. In 1977, he starred as Howard Hughes in the film Hughes and Harlow: Angels in Hell.
Holchak retired from acting in 1982, last appearing in the NBC adventure drama television series Gavilan.
